The Power of Combining Prayer and FastingSample

Fasting is more than a physical act; it is a spiritual discipline that humbles and afflicts the soul. Now, at first, this may seem like something we would not like to provoke. However, when we look at Scripture, fasting is often associated with mourning, repentance, and seeking God with all of one's heart. David said, "When I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, that became my reproach" (Psalm 69:10). Fasting involves a deep inner struggle as it exposes the power that the flesh and soul hold over your life. It reveals the areas where you rely more on your emotions, will, and mind rather than on the Spirit of God.

It's important to understand that when you fast, you are engaging in a battle against the flesh. The flesh desires comfort, pleasure, and self-gratification, but fasting puts the flesh in its rightful place—under the authority of the Spirit (Galatians 5:24). Fasting is a way to crucify the flesh, to break its hold over you, and to allow the Holy Spirit to take control. This process is not easy; it requires discipline and determination, but the rewards are great.

As you fast, you might experience discomfort, hunger, and even emotional turmoil. This is a natural part of the process as your body and soul resist the discipline of fasting. However, these moments of weakness are opportunities for spiritual growth. This allows you to confront the areas in your life where the flesh has taken precedence over the Spirit. It is in these moments of vulnerability that God’s power is perfected in your weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

When we combine fasting with our daily pursuit of God in prayer, you'll begin to notice that it also purifies the soul by bringing hidden sins, attitudes, and motives to the surface. It allows you to see yourself more clearly in the light of God’s holiness. Through fasting, you can confront these issues, repent, and seek God’s forgiveness and cleansing in prayer. As your flesh is subdued, your spirit becomes more sensitive to God’s voice and more receptive to His guidance.

As you begin to be more sensitive to the Lord through the fast, you'll also notice that the Lord may awaken a deeper desire for intercession within you. By humbling yourself before God, you can stand in the gap for those who are struggling, oppressed, or in need of God’s intervention. Your fasting and prayer can make a significant difference in their lives as you partner with God to bring about His will on earth as it is in heaven.

Begin to notice the things the Lord is bringing to mind as you are fasting. During these times, it is easy for the Lord to guide our lives as we choose to become malleable in the hands of the Potter.

Let’s Pray:
Father, my desire is to humble my soul before You. Expose the areas in my life where the flesh has taken control and help me to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires. Purify my heart and draw me closer to You. I intercede for those who are in need of Your touch, believing that You will move powerfully in their lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.